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A 36-year-old man from Egremont has been jailed for six years after admitting to a sustained harassment campaign against six women over a six-year period.
Liam Pickstock was Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday 14 October after pleading guilty to three counts of harassment putting victims in fear of violence, one count of harassment without violence, and three counts of cyber flashing. He will also serve three years on extended licence following his release.
He was arrested in May and has been remanded in custody since awaiting his sentencing.
The court heard that between 2020 and 2026, he harassed his victims through a social media account under the alias 'Joe Price', as well as through phone calls, voicemails, emails and handwritten letters.
Many of the messages were explicit, and called degrading and threatening. The 36-year-old also sent explicit photos to the women, and even went to the homes of some of his victims. His offending had escalated just two months before he was arrested, as multiple victims reported frequent unwanted contact between March and April.
Victim describes losing 'part of my personality'
In a victim personal statement read to the court, one woman described receiving between 30 and 70 voicemails through the night. She said Pickstock sent voice notes claiming he was outside her home, asking her to open the door as he had something for her.
"Before this stalking situation started, I had always considered myself a strong and independent woman," she said. "I have lived alone for many years since my son left home and also work alone. I have never been afraid of anyone.
"However, this stalking has affected my mental health massively. I struggled with sleep and became constantly anxious and fearful. I found myself becoming suspicious of people around me, including my own customers in my shop."
She described how messages threatening to wait outside her workplace left her feeling "extremely vulnerable and anxious", particularly as she worked alone. The sexual comments made towards her were "extremely disturbing and frightening" and made her worry about what he was capable of.
"I feel like that part of me has changed," she continued. "I have become much more guarded and stand-offish. I am constantly aware of strangers around me and find myself questioning people's intentions. I no longer feel able to interact with people in the same open and trusting way that I used to."
"This has been difficult for me because I feel like I have lost a part of my personality and the confidence I previously had."
'Do not suffer in silence'
Detective Constable Sam Parry said: "It is pleasing to see Pickstock receive a significant custodial sentence today, and we hope that this helps each of his victims as they continue to recover from the serious impact of his sustained offending.
"Our investigation was able to provide compelling evidence which linked Pickstock to the offences, through digital evidence, CCTV, telephone records and devices seized. We were able to arrest and remand Pickstock in custody before his concerning pattern of offending escalated even further."
DC Parry urged anyone experiencing harassment to come forward: "Be assured we will treat all reports with care and compassion. If not, then there are a lot of specialist organisations who can provide advice and support in the meantime. Do not suffer in silence. Today's outcome shows how seriously police and the courts treat such offences."
Support is available from the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 8020 300, or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
You can also report stalking and harassment to Merseyside Police here: Report stalking or harassment | Merseyside Police.
